October 16, 2013

American announces new routes from DFW to Hong Kong and Shanghai

American Airlines announced Wednesday that it plans to launch nonstop daily service from Dallas/Fort Worth Airport to Hong Kong and Shanghai in June 2014.

"American is growing its presence in Asia
as we take fresh look at everything we do." said American chief executive Tom Horton at a press conference held at the carrier's Admirals Club in Terminal D at DFW Airport. "Yeah, it’s a big deal."

Pending government approval, the Fort Worth-based carrier says it wants to launch daily service between DFW and Hong Kong using a Boeing 777-300ER. The daily service to Shanghai will be operated using a Boeing 777-200 aircraft.

Horton said American has the route rights to fly these new China flights and that it is working with Chinese officials to get the authorizations necessary for the flights.

Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price and Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings applauded the news as both have advocated for service to China out of DFW. Currently, American operates flights to China from Los Angeles and Chicago O'Hare airport.

"We’re really excited residents will have for the first time
ever direct access to Hong Kong," Price said. "The Asian market is ready for business and tourism."

In addition to its Asia announcement, American said it will begin using the 777-300ER on one of its two daily flights from Miami to London Heathrow in January and one of its four daily flights from Miami to Sao Paulo in November.

A 777-300ER will also be used on its New York JFK route to London Heathrow starting in March.